Northern Jordan gets two solar power stations

AMMAN — Deputising for Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, Energy Minister Hala Zawati on Tuesday inaugurated two 50-megawatt solar power stations in northern Jordan, at a cost of $180 million.

Zawati, during the ceremony, highlighted the importance of Empire Al Mafraq Solar PV Project's two stations, owned by the Saudi renewable energy solutions provider Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), in moving towards self-reliance and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, according to a ministry statement.

Referring to the Maan-based Fujeij wind energy project with a capacity of 89 megawatts, which was inaugurated this month, the minister said that the Kingdom’s production of electricity generated from renewable energy is expected to meet 20 per cent of its need by 2020.

During the ceremony, Spain’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Aránzazu Bañón Dávalos, who was also in attendance emphasised the importance of the solar project established in refugee-hosting Mafraq, some 80 kilometres northeast of Amman.

Lauding Jordanian-Spanish cooperation in the field of energy, the envoy expressed commitment to push forward collaboration with the goal of maximising environmental and economic benefits.  

Tristán Higuero, FRV chief operations officer for the East region, considered starting the two stations an “important achievement” for the FRV, noting that the new ventures “prove the FRV's success” in the Kingdom, leading to a shift in the transition to clean energy.

National Electric Power Company Director General Amjad Rawashdeh said that the company has managed to operate and integrate 20 renewable energy projects, noting that work is in progress to complete 12 solar and wind projects scheduled for operation during the next two years.